“Our nation’s infrastructure continues to grow and traditional means of financing struggle to keep up,” said Torres. “My amendment fully funding the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Demonstration Program will help communities navigate innovative, outside financing options and help make funds more efficient by promoting a regional focus to infrastructure.”

Torres’s first amendment provides $12 million for the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Demonstration Program, which she created as part of the 2015 FAST Act, to connect localities with private financing options, provide technical assistance, and encourage regional planning. She also introduced an amendment directing $10 million to planning for Transit Oriented Development to help cities increase development with a focus on integrated planning.

“We can’t just build more infrastructure. We need to be smart about how we do it so that we use funds efficiently, maximize economic growth, and foster thriving communities. Funding for planning of Transit Oriented Development means helping communities find ways to connect housing, jobs, and mixed use development, with transit,” continued Torres. “This program, as well as RIA, have both been approved by Congress, but have never been funded by DOT. Now my amendments will finally put them to work.”

Torres’s amendments were added to legislation funding the federal government for Fiscal Year 2018. This larger funding package is expected to pass the House of Representatives later this week.